Journeys in Classic Film Posted by on July 20, 2014

A pretty uneventual top posts week with several prominent articles returning back to the top 10, as well as a lot of appreciation for Frank Capra this week. 10.TCM Classic Film Festival Wrap-Up Looks like a few readers were a bit late catching up on my journey to the TCM...   read more

Journeys in Classic Film Posted by on July 18, 2014

Frank Capra week concludes with his most famous work of all time, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington. A timeless tale of the American political machine at work, Mr. Smith is Capra at his most propagandist and poignant.  Thankfully, it’s bluster comes from a pure place of political scheming and corru   read more

Journeys in Classic Film Posted by on July 17, 2014

I’m a terrible person for just now watching You Can’t Take It With You considering it was voted as the number one film you readers requested I write about. With that, this is a wacky blend of screwball comedy with social satire with hilariously endearing performances by its ensemble cast   read more

Journeys in Classic Film Posted by on July 16, 2014

On tap for this week’s News From the Lake: Some upcoming screenings, another classic movie reboot, and plenty of DVDs and Blu-rays. A week or so ago I talked about Universal putting out Complete Legacy Collections for their Universal monsters. Apparently, they aren’t done with the grou   read more

Journeys in Classic Film Posted by on July 16, 2014

Mr. Deeds Goes to Town is the culmination of every Capra ideal, extrapolated on three years later with Mr. Smith Goes to Washington. Watching this for the first time was a unique experience as I blended my existing knowledge of Capra’s tropes into this feature which clarifies and excavates the   read more

Journeys in Classic Film Posted by on July 15, 2014

Reviewing It Happened One Night was a long time in coming, but as I always say, what more can be said about a movie already universally praised?  I love It Happened One Night, but my praise isn’t effusive.  However, it’s cited as one of the best comedies for a reason,...   read more

Journeys in Classic Film Posted by on July 14, 2014

Transitioning from Shirley Temple to Frank Capra makes sense as both presented highly optimistic views of America. Where Temple was the dimpled angel families could only dream of birthing during the harsh brutality of the Depression and WWII, Frank Capra was created populist tales of American persev   read more

Journeys in Classic Film Posted by on July 13, 2014

Shirley Temple was popular this week, but there were a few stray posts that you guys checked out this week. Sadly, Ms. Maggie McNamara was dethroned. 10. Old Hollywood Book Reviews: Veronica – The Autobiography of Veronica Lake   9. Dr. Coppelius (1966)  Whenever this movie airs I get a lot...   read more

Journeys in Classic Film Posted by on July 11, 2014

Heidi is one of two book adaptations Temple immortalized, although A Little Princess wins out as my favorite adaptation, both book version and film. My only previous experience with author Johanna Spyri’s novel was a 1990s Wonderful World of Disney version that didn’t withstand the test   read more

Journeys in Classic Film Posted by on July 10, 2014

After the massive success of Bright Eyes, it’s understandable that the studios saw an easy formula they could copy onto future releases, and we’ve already watched it play out in two other features. But, with an easy-to-follow recipe in place, there’s added room for laziness. Curly   read more

Journeys in Classic Film Posted by on July 9, 2014

When I spoke to Jane Withers last May she talked quite a bit about filming Bright Eyes and her struggles working with Shirley Temple. I hated to admit to her that I hadn’t seen the finished product, and she, of course, urged me to get to it!  I doubt Jane...   read more

Journeys in Classic Film Posted by on July 9, 2014

Post-Fourth of July doesn’t yield much in the news front. In this week’s update I’ll discuss an updated Disney adaptation, and what’s coming to DVD and Blu-ray. In a Disney landscape where we’ve watched live-action interpretations of Snow White, Maleficent, and next y   read more

Journeys in Classic Film Posted by on July 7, 2014

We pay tribute this week to a bright-eyed moppet with sausage curls and a dimpled smile. When Shirley Temple Black passed away earlier this year, I knew I had to honor her in some way despite never watching her films previously. I have fond memories of watching commercials for the Shirley...   read more

Journeys in Classic Film Posted by on July 6, 2014

Another eclectic assortment of popular posts you all checked out this week. As always, feel free to let me know what inspired you to read something! 10. Old Hollywood Book Reviews: The Lives and Loves of Daisy and Violet Hilton It’s great to see this get a little love.  One...   read more

Journeys in Classic Film Posted by on July 3, 2014

We aren’t done honoring Nick and Nora yet, but this is the final Thin Man movie for the week. Song of the Thin Man was a financial disappointment upon release, that, coupled with the production issues during The Thin Man Goes Home cemented the decision to continue the franchise. It’s...   read more

Journeys in Classic Film Posted by on July 2, 2014

Remember yesterday’s review when I said no matter the individual film’s flaws there’s a consistently high level of quality? We’re starting to see a chink in the armor today. The Thin Man Goes Home was a troubled production, especially in light of the death of the preeminent d   read more

Journeys in Classic Film Posted by on July 2, 2014

Only three bits of news this week including what’s coming up this month as part of TCM’s Friday Night Spotlight, and a few DVD announcements. It’s the 100th Anniversary of WWI and TCM is paying tribute by devoting July’s Friday Night Spotlight to various views of WWI as see   read more

Journeys in Classic Film Posted by on July 1, 2014

In spite of its flaws, Another Thin Man played off the fun interactions between Nick and Nora Charles without shoving baby Nickie down your throat (and though the literal image is interesting, I’m speaking figuratively). With Shadow of the Thin Man, W.S. Van Dyke and crew strike a better compr   read more

Journeys in Classic Film Posted by on June 30, 2014

And another pair of actors get rewarded with a Veronica this month and placement in the Hall of Fame. Be sure to check out the Veronicas section at the top of the page for past winners and links to all past reviews. Dana Andrews is the quintessential everyman; a man...   read more

Journeys in Classic Film Posted by on June 29, 2014

A new week and another look at what you all were reading last week. The July Five starts tomorrow, so get caught up on what’s popular now, before a new week of awesome reading comes through. 10. The Lake Update for July 2014 Speaking of the July Five, check out...   read more